Sure- it’s easier to buy pre-made foods instead of taking the time to make them at home. But you can save money (and sometimes up quality and flavor) by making foods like granola or spices right in your own kitchen. Here are some classic foods we always buy that are actually cheaper to make at home!

Croutons and Breadcrumbs

It’s habit to toss a stale loaf or piece of bread, but if you save it, you’ll save a ton of money on croutons and breadcrumbs. Dice up leftovers to make croutons or toss in a food processor to make breadcrumbs.

Salsa

Salsa can cost upward of $0.40 per ounce, so make your own using tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, green bell peppers and jalapeño chiles. You can make a bunch at a time and freeze it to really save your money!

Granola

Granola is totally overpriced, especially when you get all fancy with dried fruit. But granola is probably the easiest thing you can make at home. Just a simple mixture of oats, nuts, and dried fruit will make you never spend money on store-bought granola again!

Spice Blends

Spices are an expensive pantry item that you can just as easily make yourself without paying extra. You can make a ton of different spices at home like pumpkin pie spice or Italian seasoning. Pumpkin pie spice only requires ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, allspice and ground cloves. And Italian seasoning requires mixing basil, marjoram, oregano, rosemary and thyme.

Hummus

A tub of hummus can cost you $5 but make your own for your next appetizer for your party and you’ll save a ton! Plus, hummus always tastes better when prepared fresh. All you need are garbanzo beans, garlic, cumin, salt and olive oil!